This Article is From Jul 23, 2022

"Media Taking Democracy Backwards": Chief Justice's Top Quotes

Judges cannot turn a blind eye to the social realities, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana made the remarks at a lecture event in Ranchi. File

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India NV Ramana has made strong remarks on media trials, the role of the judiciary and challenges before the judges at a lecture event in Ranchi.

Here are his top 10 remarks:

  1. "Biased views being propagated by media are affecting the people, weakening democracy, and harming the system. In this process, justice delivery gets adversely affected. By overstepping and breaching your responsibility, you are taking our democracy two steps backwards."

  2. "Of late, we see the media running kangaroo courts, at times on issues even experienced judges find difficult to decide. Ill-informed and agenda driven debates on issues involving justice delivery are proving to be detrimental to the health of democracy."

  3. "If we want a vibrant democracy, we need to strengthen our judiciary and empower our judges. These days, we are witnessing increasing number of physical attacks on the judges."

  4. "Politicians, bureaucrats, police officers and other public representatives are often provided with security even after their retirement owing to the sensitiveness of their jobs. Ironically, judges are not extended similar protection."

  5. "In my humble view, in the absence of judicial review, people's faith in our Constitution would have diminished. The Constitution is ultimately for the people. The judiciary is the organ which breathes life into the Constitution."

  6. "Till a few decades ago, expectations from a judge were limited to the resolution of a dispute between parties before the courts. Now, every conceivable problem in society is expected to be addressed by the judiciary."

  7. "In order to administer justice, the judges must be aware of the social realities and should not be confined as a social recluse. We must understand that impartiality and independence are a state of mind."

  8. "There exists a misconception in the minds of the people that Judges stay in ultimate comfort, work only from 10 am to 4 pm and enjoy their holidays. Such a narrative is untrue."

  9. "The judges cannot turn a blind eye to the social realities. The Judge has to give priority to the pressing matters in order to save the system from avoidable conflicts and burdens."

  10. "Doing justice is not an easy responsibility. It is becoming increasingly challenging with each passing day. At times, there are also concerted campaigns in media, particularly on social media against judges."

    Full speech here



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